Plasma pododermatitis in cats is rare and typically seen in adult cats. Males are predisposed.
Clinical signs of feline pododermatitis
- soft, often painless swelling of several pads (the central metacarpal or metatarsal pad frequently affected)
- ulcerated pads in 20-35% of cases
- + sometimes: swelling of the bridge of the foot (infiltrated by plasma cells), proliferative and ulcerative gingivitis, fever and swollen lymph nodes
Pathogenesis:
- unknown
- Suspected immune disorder or infectious process => FIV search advised
Diagnosis:
- clinical examination
- cytology performed after fine needle puncture of the pad
- anatomopathological examination (biopsies)
Treatment:
- Immunomodulators such as cyclosporine, glucocorticoids or ... oral doxycycline
- Surgical removal of the affected pads may also be necessary
© Luc Beco